Given the strenuous nature of construction work, it’s no surprise that strains and sprains, also known as musculoskeletal disorders, affect the construction industry more than any other industry. In fact, the rate of musculoskeletal injuries in the construction industry is higher than all other industries combined. However, musculoskeletal injuries do not just occur on the job; they can easily happen off the job too.
Musculoskeletal injuries include sprains, strains, and tears; back injuries; tendonitis or joint pain; and repetitive strain injuries. These injuries are caused by heavy lifting and exertion, awkward and prolonged positioning, repetitive motion, tool use, environmental factors on the job such as noise and weather exposure to name a few. While all of these actions go hand in glove with the construction injury—and even with chores around the house, playing sports, or pursuing pastimes—living with the pain doesn’t have to, and minimizing injury is possible. This is why EWTF has joined forces with Hinge Health which can connect you with a virtual physical therapist at no additional cost as part of your participation in our health plan. Physical therapy has proven to be a valuable component to rehabilitation from an injury but it can also be used to improve general strength, balance and mobility to help you avoid an injury in the first place.
Hinge Health will connect you to a physical therapist, virtually, who will create a customized physical therapy plan that you can do from the comfort of your own home. You will have access to your personal physical therapist via text, email, phone call or video chat so you can report on your progress or make adjustments as needed. Participation in the program is free of charge for EWTF members and includes an evaluation and subsequent sessions and an exercise kit that includes the necessary equipment to complete at-home physical therapy.
Workplace injuries can be treated and even avoided by using Hinge Health. For more information, visit hingehealth.com.